Exponents

[BaileyC]

Can someone give me simple steps to multiply and divide exponents and explain them good. Please show an example problem.

 

[mmm4444bot]

Google search results on keywords: multiply divide exponents

If you see something in these explained lessons and examples that you do not understand, please feel free to come back to these boards and post a specific question.

Cheers ~ Mark

 

[pmagunia]

$\displaystyle 2^3=2 \cdot 2 \cdot 2.$ Here 2 is the base and 3 is the exponent. You multiply the base times itself the number of times specified by the exponent.

 

[mmm4444bot]

You multiply the base times itself the number of times specified by the exponent

I've never liked this description.

I prefer to say that the exponent shows how many factors of the base are multiplied together.

2^3 means three factors of 2 are multiplied together (2*2*2)

Whereas, 2 multiplied by itself once is 2*2 (or 2^2)

2 multiplied by itself twice is 2*2*2 (or 2^3)

2 multiplied by itself three times is 2*2*2*2 (or 2^4)

Not a big deal; just a pet peeve of mine

 

[Denis]

Re:

Not a big deal; just a pet peeve of mine

Complain...complain...complain...